Road rules every motorcycle rider should follow [Infographic]

The bumper sticker says it all: Motorcycles are everywhere. From border to border and sea to shining sea, the nation’s highways and byways are peppered with riders, taking advantage of the warm weather and the cool breeze that rushes by almost as quickly as the summer itself.

But the long-awaited riding season can be cut even shorter when the rules of the road aren’t followed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal motorcycle incidents have diminished in recent years. That’s good news, but with thousands still occurring – most of them in the warm weather months – riders can never let their guard down.

Here are a few ways to ensure safety is always in view wherever your motorcycle travels take you:

Always wear a helmet

Purchasing a Department of Transportation-approved helmet may be the single best purchase you’ll ever make when it comes to riding safely. According to the NHTSA, nearly two-thirds of motorcyclists use DOT-compliant helmets, up from 60% in 2014.

Put yourself in the driver’s seat

It’s safe to say that detection is the best prevention, but all too often, motorists look past riders simply because they’re so used to seeing large vehicles. Be sure to wear clothing when you’re riding that makes you more noticeable to drivers. Ideally, the clothing should be light colored, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Also, drive in areas of the road that are the most visible to fellow users. In other words, keep out of blind spots.

Avoid construction zones

Road crews may be renovating certain stretches of highway, creating stability issues that aren’t ideal for two-wheeled vehicles. Drive slowly through these zones, or better yet, avoid them entirely.

For more tips, take a look at the infographic below. Here’s to a safe season!